IT S been a busy summer for the North East Herts School Sport Partnership. After successful tag rugby and rounders festivals, the partnership has been out on the fields encouraging exercise through multiskill sessions. The sessions have been designed to

IT'S been a busy summer for the North East Herts School Sport Partnership.

After successful tag rugby and rounders festivals, the partnership has been out on the fields encouraging exercise through multiskill sessions.

The sessions have been designed to build up physical education and fundamental movement - including coordination and balance, two key aspects of sport.

Partnership development manager Jan Wood said: "The multiskill sessions are very successful and always well received by the youngsters.

"The partnership is going from strength to strength, and the benefits for these youngsters are endless.

"We've forged a lot of strong links with schools and its something that is only going to get bigger.

"The children are taking part in sport, which keeps them healthy.

"And these multiskill sessions also improve elements such as balance, coordination, agility, and speed."

During the sessions pupils take part in a number of fun activities that concentrate on elements not just for sport, but for active, healthy lifestyles.

They include relay races, throwing and catching, jumping, and obstacle courses.

Over the last year, pupils from eight partnership schools have benefited from the multiskill sessions and various festivals, including Layston, Millfield, Reed, St Mary's, Greneway, Anstey and Jenyns.

Jan and her team have also been supported throughout the year by sports leaders from both Freman College and Edwinstree.

Seventeen-year-old Jo Rutherford of Freman College said: "I think the sports partnership is a great idea and wish I'd had something similar when I was younger.

"It encourages the children to be healthy and enjoy exercising. If youngsters are introduced to sport at a young age, they're more likely to continue with it when they're older - which is important."

Jan said: "It's been a good year and the programme will be developed even further when the schools come back after the summer, with even more schools getting involved.

"The youngsters enjoy taking part and it's good for them to try out their new practical skills and also meet pupils from other schools.

"This type of organised activity provides an excellent environment for development, fun and communication, as well as being a great way to provide opportunities for village schools to work together.